An all-day statewide forum focusing on people experiencing mental health and drug and alcohol problems (dual diagnosis) has attracted about 200 service providers.

The Dual Diagnosis: Key Directions and Priorities for Service Development forum was held at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre.

It was organised by the Department of Human Services' Mental Health Branch and Drugs Policy and Services Branch.

Opening the forum, Minister for Health Bronwyn Pike emphasised the importance of alcohol and drug and mental health services working together to ensure people who experienced dual diagnosis had timely access to quality treatment, care and support wherever they lived in Victoria.

She described the need for dual diagnosis treatment and care to be become part of 'core business' in the mainstream services of each sector.

'Clients should confront 'no wrong door' when seeking help from either mental health or drug treatment services,' Ms Pike said.

Clinical mental health services, psychiatric disability and rehabilitation support services, drug treatment services and other partners in the system of care—including consumer and carer representatives and Department staff—attended the forum.

Service leaders and managers from both mental health services and drug and alcohol services, advised by consumers and carers, discussed priorities for service development and innovation.

Forensicare Director of Clinical Services Professor Paul Mullen was forum keynote speaker.

He detailed the prevalence of dual diagnosis, particularly among younger people, but stressed the importance of providing integrated care for those with dual diagnosis across all ages.

Broadcaster Dr Norman Swan facilitated the forum and sparked discussion and debate throughout the day.

Issues included common and differing views about the next steps for achieving more dual diagnosis-capable staff and services locally and how government could best promote and support this endeavour.

Angela and Sue Gesell shared their experiences—as a consumer and carer—of seeking help from services for dual diagnosis, reminding delegates of the need for a strong client focus.

Ongoing work by service providers and the Department will now build on the outcomes and the momentum created by the forum.

This will include the publication of the Dual Diagnosis: Key directions and priorities policy statement being finalised by the Department.

•          For more information on dual diagnosis initiatives contact Bill MacDonald in the Department of Human Services' Mental Health Branch on 9096 7971.